What's the best time to visit Ecuador?
The best time to visit Ecuador is from December to April when the weather is mild and warm with short afternoon showers. This period, although part of the wet season, offers better weather than the dry season from June to September, which can be chilly.
It’s an ideal time for exploring Ecuador’s coastal lowlands, venturing into the Amazon via flooded roads and trails, and enjoying the country’s beaches and rainforests. But be sure to book early to save big on your trip!
Thinking of visiting Ecuador, South America soon? You’ll find the best time to visit Ecuador, along with the cheapest, least busy, and worst time to go right here in our travel guide.
See what kind of weather, events, and prices you can expect at different times of year when you make Ecuador, “the middle of the world,” your next vacation destination!
The Overall Best Time to Visit Ecuador
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- December-April is the overall best time to visit Ecuador
- Reduced crowds, nice weather, and perfect for beach time
- Nice time to visit the Galapagos Islands with calm seas
The best time to visit Ecuador overall is from December to April (extending into May in some areas), when the weather is mild and warm with short bursts of rainfall in the afternoons.
This period takes place during the wet season, but surprisingly, it has better weather than the dry season. The dry season from June to September can be a little too cool, humid, and overcast.
December-April is perfect for visiting Ecuador’s coastal lowlands and paddling into the Amazon via flooded roads and trails.
If you’re planning on enjoying the beaches or rainforest here, this is a good time to do it. Mornings are typically clear, dry, and sunny, with short afternoon showers that start suddenly and end just as quickly.
January and April are two of Ecuador’s busiest months. Expect crowds at local hotels and resorts with slightly higher prices as a result during these periods.
But don’t let that stop you from enjoying Ecuador at its finest – you’ll experience weather that’s ideal for the most part and perfect for spending time outdoors, and you can always come during December, February, or March for fewer crowds and more reasonable rates!
Cheapest Time to Visit Ecuador
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- February-March, September-November is the cheapest time to visit
- Discounts on flights, attractions, and hotels during these periods
- Last-minute booking + great deals possible
The best time to visit Ecuador on a budget is from February to March and in September through November. These periods, especially September-November, typically feature the lowest prices of the year for flights to Ecuador and hotels around the country.
With fewer visitors arriving from February-March and in September-November, you’ll benefit with sharp decreases in prices.
Since fewer people come to visit Ecuador during these two periods (especially in September-November), you can get away with booking last-minute to save even more.
This is a great way to unlock amazing last-minute deals and packages that include flights, hotels, and even attractions in one low priced ticket. Avoid visiting over the Easter holiday, when crowds arrive in droves, to save the most on your Ecuador vacation.
Otherwise, you can be sure you’re getting a great deal by planning your visit outside of the most popular June-early September dry/peak season in Ecuador!
Least Busy Time to Visit Ecuador
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- September-November is the least busy time to visit
- Dry season for some areas with little rainfall and overcast skies
- The Galapagos Islands, Quito, and the Andes are wetter
The best time to visit Ecuador without crowds is from September through November, which is the tail end of dry season and the first 2 months of the wet season.
The weather is very dry near the southern coast of Ecuador (Guayaquil) during this period, though it’s pretty wet in Cuenca, the Amazon, and Quito (which is up in the Andes, and very cool at this time of year).
The nicest thing about traveling to Ecuador in September-November is the lack of crowds, which makes it easier to get around without waiting in long lines.
You’ll find it easy to find and book a flight and room at this time of year, with last-minute vacation planning enabling you to uncover great discounts and deals for your stay! Local festivals and events make September-November especially fun to visit without the usual huge crowds of tourists.
You’ll be able to spend time among the locals enjoying celebrations like Day of the Dead (November 2), Independence Day in Guayaquil (October 9), and the Foundation of Quito Festival (December 6) on the capital’s cobblestone streets.
Worst Time to Visit Ecuador
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- No true “worst” time to visit Ecuador with so much variation
- June-September may be the worst time to go
- Worst time to go based on crowds, prices, weather
If we had to pick out the worst time to visit Ecuador, it would probably be June to September. This is one of Ecuador’s peak tourism seasons as people are on vacation from school and work.
Throngs of tourists begin arriving in Ecuador in June and the onslaught doesn’t stop until around September, when school starts back up. June-September is part of Ecuador’s dry season, when most regions of the country receive little rainfall.
It’s also cooler during these months in most areas with high humidity and often-overcast skies. This is much less enjoyable than the warm, sunny conditions you’ll find during much of the wet season – although that seems backward, it’s just the way it is in Ecuador!
Fortunately, you’ll be able to catch humpback whales migrating off the coast of Ecuador during this period and take advantage of the events and festivals going on during the dry season.
Still, it’s not the ideal time to visit – you’ll enjoy going in December-April much more, or in the less-busy September-November period.
Ecuador by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Ecuador? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
Amazon Rainforest
January to April
The Amazon experiences its wet season during these months, with temperatures ranging from 70-88°F. It’s a great time for lush vegetation, wildlife viewing, and exploring the rainforest. However, heavy rainfall can affect travel conditions.
May to December
The dry season brings temperatures between 70-90°F. It’s an ideal time for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the Amazon’s diverse ecosystems. Rivers may be lower, facilitating certain activities.
Andes Highlands
January to April
The highlands experience the rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 45-68°F. It’s a good time for visiting markets, exploring historic cities like Quito, and witnessing the vibrant festivals.
May to December
The dry season offers temperatures between 45-68°F. It’s perfect for trekking, visiting ancient Inca sites like Ingapirca, and enjoying clear views of the Andean landscapes.
Galápagos Islands
January to April
The warm and wet season brings temperatures between 74-84°F. It’s an excellent time for underwater activities, observing wildlife, and witnessing the nesting season of various species.
May to December
The cool and dry season offers temperatures from 68-79°F. It’s a great time for snorkeling, exploring diverse islands, and observing unique flora and fauna.
Pacific Coast
January to April
The coast experiences its wet season, with temperatures ranging from 70-88°F. It’s a good time for beach activities, but some areas may experience heavy rainfall.
May to December
The dry season brings temperatures between 70-88°F. It’s ideal for coastal exploration, beach vacations, and water sports.
Overall Recommendations
- June to September: Considered the best time to visit Ecuador overall, with pleasant weather in the highlands and the Galápagos.
- October to December: Great for the Amazon and the Pacific Coast, with the highlands still offering favorable conditions.
So, What Is the Best Time to Visit Ecuador?
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Overall, December to April/May is the best time to visit Ecuador for great weather, manageable crowds, and good prices.
This period takes place during the wet season, but it’s surprisingly nice weather with brief rain showers usually taking place in the afternoons and warm, sunny skies in the mornings. Avoid January and April, which are the two busiest months of this period, for the smallest crowds and best prices.
Final Thoughts
Ecuador has many faces to show its visitors, from the rugged and cool Andes Mountains (where the capital Quito lies) to the laid-back, sunny shores on the Pacific coastal lowlands. If you want a varied vacation with lots of diverse landscapes and terrain, it’s hard to beat beautiful Ecuador!
The stunning array of mountains, rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, tropical islands, and natural pools and hot springs make this country truly special for first-time and seasoned travelers. Who knows what you’ll discover and see in Ecuador?
Check out these guides next to learn more about visiting some of the most beautiful and diverse destinations in the world.